Finally, the long anticipated Pixel 10 Pro XL is here. The latest Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is a device built for the future, leveraging the power of AI to create a seamless user experience.
The star of the show is undeniably the new Google Tensor G5 chip, which is a significant upgrade from the Tensor G4 on the Pixel 9 Pro XL. Google claims the G5, manufactured on TSMC’s 3nm process, has a 34% faster CPU and a 60% more powerful Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) for AI tasks, making it more powerful and efficient.
A key part of this is Gemini Live, a new feature that allows for natural, back-and-forth conversations with Gemini. You can share your phone’s camera and get real-time, visual guidance. For instance, you could ask for help on how to operate a coffee machine, and Gemini Live would not only talk you through the steps but also highlight the buttons and parts of the machine on your screen as you go.
Camera Coach and Gemini Live Demo
Another significant AI feature is Camera Coach. This tool uses AI to analyze a scene and provide you with real-time tips on how to get the best shot. It offers suggestions on framing, lighting, and even which camera mode to use. The goal is not just to take a great photo, but to teach you the foundational photography skills to improve your own technique over time. The problem is, would you have the patience to follow the step by step instruction. Most will just snap and take as many shots and select the best one among them.
Finally, for group photos, Auto Best Take is a revolutionary feature. It automatically analyzes a burst of shots and merges the best elements into a single, perfect image where everyone looks their best, ensuring no more blinking or awkward expressions. This is an improvement over Best Take.
Other features like Magic Cue are also present, which anticipates your needs by surfacing relevant information proactively during messaging or calls.
The Camera: Redefining Zoom with AI The hardware is solid, featuring a versatile triple-camera system with a 50MP main lens, a 48MP ultrawide, and a 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom. The new 100x Pro Res Zoom is a massive leap forward. Instead of just a digital crop, the Tensor G5’s computational power and generative AI work together to produce surprisingly clear and detailed long-range shots.
The picture below is taken with 100X zoom. It regenerated the underside of the solar panel mounted on the building (See photo on the left).
However, this feature has specific strengths and weaknesses. It is best meant for structures and natural landscapes. While its generative AI is impressive, it can struggle with fine details like text. For example, shooting a far-away signboard may result in skewed or unreadable characters in the final image.
Add Me, which uses AI to create a group photo with a person who wasn’t originally in the shot. The familiar, beloved photography modes from previous Pixel generations are all present, including Action Pan, Long Exposure, Night Sight, Portrait Mode, and Panorama.
A new standout is In a groundbreaking move, you can now connect to another Pixel 6 or later as a remote camera for capturing multi-angle shots. The new “Connected Cameras” feature also allows you to use a GoPro (GoPro 10 and later) as a remote camera, opening up creative possibilities for content creators who can use their phone as a viewfinder while the GoPro captures the scene from a different perspective.
As for video, the Pixel 10 Pro XL also offers significant advancements in video. It supports 8K video recording, and it comes with Video Boost, which uses Google’s servers to apply advanced computational photography techniques to your videos, resulting in higher-quality, stabilized footage. While the results are impressive, Video Boost takes time to process, as the video is sent to a backend server. A major critique is that Google should be using the phone’s powerful Tensor G5 processor to handle this on-device, as many action cameras can process high-quality video without needing to go through an external server.
You can also record in 10-bit HDR for stunningly vibrant colors and a greater dynamic range. Video recording is available in 24, 30, and 60 frames per second (fps). Notably, the 25 fps and 50 fps options are not included, which may be a limitation for those who require them for specific projects or regions. Other features like a dedicated Macro Mode for close-up shots are also present, making the camera system incredibly versatile.
Connectivity and Physical Design The 6.8-inch Super Actua Display is an absolute stunner. Its peak brightness of 3300 nits means you won’t have to squint to see your screen in direct sunlight. The adaptive 1-120Hz refresh rate is buttery smooth for scrolling and gaming while still being efficient. Physically, the phone has a refined, premium feel. It measures 162.8 x 76.6 x 8.5 mm and weighs 232 g. While it’s a large phone, it’s slightly thinner than some of its counterparts. The design is refined, with a matte glass back and polished aluminum sides that feel premium and durable, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2. It is also IP68-rated for water and dust resistance, so it can handle the rigors of daily life.
For connectivity, the phone supports a SIM card and an eSIM. It also supports a range of global 5G networks, including both 5G Standalone (SA) and 5G Non-Standalone (NSA) technologies, which are commonly used worldwide. Power & Longevity With a large 5200 mAh battery, the Pixel 10 Pro XL is built to last all day. When you do need to top up, 45W wired charging gets you back in the game quickly, and 25W Pixelsnap wireless charging is a welcome speed boost. Beyond the hardware, Google’s commitment to seven years of OS and security updates is a major selling point, making this a phone you can rely on for years to come.
